PHS Students Gain Hands-On Experience in Interior Design with Paula Collier Design

Perkins High School students Breonna Ponting, a junior, and Sophia Ralofsky, a senior, recently took part in an immersive field experience in interior design. Working under the guidance of professional designer Paula Collier (Paula Collier Design), they explored the intricacies of the field through hands-on projects and real-world applications.

Breonna and Sophia spent time at Paula’s office as well as on-site at an active renovation project. Breonna was particularly fascinated by the opportunity to explore the structure of an old home undergoing transformation.

“We were able to create our own layouts for a couple of rooms and give design ideas for the bathrooms,” she shared. “I also learned how to measure out rooms and arrange furniture to fit within the space.”

For Sophia, the experience was about gaining deeper insight into the reality of interior design. “My main goal was to decide if interior design is truly the route I want to take for college,” she said. The opportunity exceeded her expectations. “I thought Paula would mainly discuss the career with us, but she gave us an incredible hands-on experience, even allowing me to design my own space in one of her projects.”

One standout moment for both students was seeing Paula’s renovation project in progress. “It was amazing to hear Paula describe design elements and see the details she pointed out,” Breonna recalled. Sophia agreed, adding, “Getting to physically experience a completed design helped me understand what the result of a project truly feels like.”

The experience also provided valuable lessons about the industry. Breonna noted that interior design is far more complex than it might seem. “People may think it’s just about coming up with ideas, but you have to balance your style with the client’s, source materials, and even log your design hours for billing,” she said. Sophia discovered just how essential measurements and mathematical precision are in design. “I learned that applying measurements correctly is crucial to success,” she explained.

Challenges and Growth

Both students faced challenges along the way. Breonna struggled with taking accurate measurements at first. “It took me a few hours to get the exact measurements because I kept confusing centimeters with inches,” she admitted. Paula reassured her that precision takes practice and patience.

For Sophia, the biggest challenge was figuring out how to structure her design pitch. “Paula told me that everyone’s approach is unique, so I had to find what worked best for me,” she said. Despite the difficulty, she gained confidence in her ability to present her ideas.

Working together was another valuable aspect of the experience. Breonna and Sophia collaborated on designing two rooms within Paula’s project. “It was cool to compare our ideas and see both the similarities and differences,” Sophia said. “It reminded me that each mind is unique, and everyone has their own creative approach.”

Paula also enjoyed her time with Breonna and Sophia.  “The girls were an absolute pleasure to work with—their enthusiasm was contagious! I loved watching them create and problem-solve throughout the experience. By the end of the semester, they had gained a much deeper understanding of space planning, problem-solving, design aesthetics, and business management. Though we only scratched the surface, this opportunity provided a great way to explore whether this career path is worth pursuing or if it might not be the right fit.”

This field experience has in fact inspired both students to continue exploring interior design. Breonna plans to assist her parents in designing their future condo in Florida. Sophia, meanwhile, hopes to take on her own project to gain more experience.

Advice for Future Students

For students preparing for similar field experiences, both Breonna and Sophia emphasized curiosity and engagement. “You have to have a creative mind and get excited about design,” Breonna advised. Sophia added, “Come with questions and take advantage of the opportunity. Don’t be afraid to ask—your mentor is there to help.”

Through this experience, Breonna and Sophia not only gained practical skills but also solidified their passion for interior design, preparing them for potential careers in the field.